Modular Brace Assembly for Foldable Solar Canopy Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for elevated structures to support solar collector panels are inefficient and costly due to excessive material usage and lengthy installation times, particularly in developed areas where land must be used for multiple purposes.
Innovation Solution
A foldable solar canopy structure with a brace assembly and support column bracket system that allows for pre-assembled components to be manufactured in a factory, shipped, and easily installed on-site, utilizing hinges and removable attachments to facilitate efficient transportation and assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional elevated structures are used to support solar collector panels, then structural stability is achieved, but material consumption and installation time increase excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into modular components including adjustable support legs with bracing assemblies, solar panel mounting frames, and interchangeable connection elements. This segmentation allows pre-fabrication of standardized modules that can be rapidly assembled on-site, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining structural stability through precise modular connections.
Solution Approach 2:
Support legs and bracing assemblies are pre-assembled and pre-positioned at predetermined locations before solar panel installation. The adjustable support legs include pre-configured bracing elements that can be quickly adjusted to desired angles and lengths, eliminating the need for complex on-site fabrication and reducing overall installation time while ensuring proper structural configuration.
2Reliability
If traditional elevated structures are used to support solar collector panels, then structural stability is achieved, but material usage becomes excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure incorporates adjustable support legs with telescopic sections and angle-adjustable bracing elements. This dynamic capability allows the same modular components to adapt to various panel sizes, ground conditions, and structural requirements, eliminating the need for multiple specialized support structures and reducing overall material consumption while maintaining adequate structural stability for different configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracing assemblies are designed as universal components that can be configured for multiple functions: providing lateral support, adjusting panel angles for optimal sunlight exposure, stabilizing different panel sizes, and adapting to various ground conditions. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of different component types needed, thereby reducing material consumption compared to traditional specialized support structures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If solar collector panels are placed on the ground in remote areas, then land use is not interfered with, but structural support requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure uses segmented, modular components that can be easily transported to remote areas and assembled without heavy equipment. The bracing assemblies are divided into discrete adjustable elements that can be configured on-site, reducing the need for complex pre-engineered support structures and simplifying transportation and assembly logistics while maintaining adaptability to various land conditions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable bracing assemblies are used, then adaptability to different conditions is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bracing assemblies incorporate simple mechanical adjustment mechanisms including telescopic sections with locking pins, angle-adjustable connections with preset positions, and interchangeable connection elements. These dynamic features provide configuration flexibility for different panel sizes and ground conditions while using straightforward mechanical principles rather than complex systems, maintaining ease of assembly and adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention includes a solar canopy a brace assembly for stabilizing a foldable solar canopy structure including: a first brace clamp comprising a first U-shaped body removable attached to a flat body; a second brace clamp comprising a second U-shaped body removable attached to a flat body, wherein the second brace clamp is adapted to encircle and securely attach to a beam and wherein the first brace clamp is removably attached on one side to the second brace clamp at one side; a third brace clamp comprising a third U-shaped body removable attached to a flat body; and a strut member for attaching the third brace clamp to the second brace claim, removably attached at one end to a side of the third brace clamp at on the opposing end to the side of the second brace clamp opposite the side attached to the first brace clamp, thereby forming a linear assembly.